Dainty
/ˈdeɪnti/noun
Delicately small, pretty, or refined; also, pleasingly tasty or luxurious.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Old French *deintie*, meaning ‘esteem’ or ‘delight,’ which is why its earliest sense was more about preciousness than cuteness.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dek-
“to take, accept, or be proper/fit”
Latin
Latin
dignus
“worthy, fitting, deserving”
Old French
Old French
deintie / daintie
“esteem, delight, delicacy; something precious or choice”
Middle English
English
dainte / dainty
“delicacy, something highly valued or pleasing”
Modern English
English
dainty
“delicate, elegant, or finely made; a delicate food or treat”
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